The crew of the Project 12700 minesweeper "Alexander Obukhov", part of the Baltic Fleet, conducted comprehensive exercises to detect and destroy naval mines. According to reports, as part of the combat training plan at the Baltic Sea training ranges, the sailors carried out trawling of contact and non-contact minefields, as well as tasks to force mined areas.
During the exercises, sonar stations and modern trawling systems were used. In a given area of the water, the crew discovered and eliminated training simulators of moored and bottom mines. All stages of the exercises were conducted both during the day and at night, which allowed practicing the skills of conducting mine countermeasures in various lighting conditions.
The ship was built in 2016 at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) according to the project of the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau. It belongs to a new generation of minesweepers — Project 12700 "Alexandrite", which features a unique hull design made of monolithic fiberglass, manufactured by vacuum infusion.
Thanks to composite technology, the hull weight is significantly reduced compared to traditional metal counterparts, while its strength exceeds standard indicators. In addition, the fiberglass hull is resistant to corrosion, and its service life, subject to operating standards, is considered practically unlimited.
